Chef Azmin Ghahreman of Sapphire Laguna has introduced “Street Foods of America,” a new version of his Spice PlatesTM menu featuring samplings of seven street foods influenced by the many different cultures across the United States. Chef Azmin was inspired by the idea that America is the melting pot of the world, and developed the new Spice Plates to reflect several different ethnic and cultural groups found around the country. The plates range in price from $6.50 to $8.50 each, and are available nightly from 4 to 8 p.m.

Pretend you’re walking over the Golden Gate Bridge with the San Francisco Rickshaw Pork and Shrimp Dumplings with Chili-Soy Dipping Sauce, or enjoy the Saikyo Miso Marinated Salmon and Japanese Eggplant with New York City influences. Take a trip to New Orleans by tasting the “Jumbo Shrimp Boil” with Sweet Corn Butter and Creole Mayo, or get a flavor of the Northwest by devouring Apple BBQ Lamb Riblets. Savor the Los Angeles-inspired Tak-Koji Tacos with Lime Sour Cream and Crunchy Sesame Slaw, or get a bite of Chicago with the Greek Octopus Salad with Oregano-Basil Dressing.

Or enjoy an American classic with a twist – the Steamed Kobe Cheeseburger with Spicy Mayonnaise and Homemade Pickles. Each Spice Plate can be enjoyed with one of Sapphire Laguna’s signature cocktails, or a beverage from the restaurant’s expansive selection of beer and wines from around the world, including 37 wines by the glass starting at $8.

About Sapphire Laguna

Chef Azmin Ghahreman opened the renowned Sapphire Laguna in 2007, specializing in a “global cuisine” menu of comfort food inspired by cooking styles from around the world, made with the freshest local ingredients. The restaurant also features an extensive list of beer and wines from around the world, and specialty cocktails created by Chef Azmin, who is also a culinary mixologist. Sapphire Pantry features fine wines, a broad selection of artisan cheeses with a fulltime cheesemonger on staff, locally produced goods, a wide variety of specialty products, freshly-made take-out food and organic free trade coffee and tea. Parking for Sapphire Laguna and Sapphire Pantry is free. For more information, visit www.sapphirelaguna.com, or call (949) 715-9888 for Sapphire Laguna or (949) 715-9889 for Sapphire Pantry. Sapphire Laguna is located at 1200 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, Calif. 92651.